The Perfect Middle School Band Instrumentation
(Read this and then see “Choosing an Instrument”)
In a perfect world our band would have perfect instrumentation. Perfect instrumentation helps us to achieve the best all round balanced sound. This allows for all instruments to be heard equally and creates a rich full sounding band.
Although we may not achieve this perfect instrumentation we encourage students to pick a variety of different instruments. If it is necessary and we have a problem with an overabundance of any one instrument (Percussion is the most likely due to its overwhelming volume) students may need to take a test to keep their spot and may be encouraged to select a different instrument. This will benefit not only the band, but also the student because it will create more playing experiences and a better educational environment.
An Example of Perfect Instrumentation
This model is based on 70 Students. The number of students is relative. Therefore, the group can be of varying size.
Flutes – 12
Clarinet – 11
Bass Clarinet - 3
Alto Saxophone – 10
Tenor Saxophone – 3
Trumpet – 10
Trombone – 5
French Horn - 3
Baritone – 2
Tuba – 1
Percussion - 10
(Read this and then see “Choosing an Instrument”)
In a perfect world our band would have perfect instrumentation. Perfect instrumentation helps us to achieve the best all round balanced sound. This allows for all instruments to be heard equally and creates a rich full sounding band.
Although we may not achieve this perfect instrumentation we encourage students to pick a variety of different instruments. If it is necessary and we have a problem with an overabundance of any one instrument (Percussion is the most likely due to its overwhelming volume) students may need to take a test to keep their spot and may be encouraged to select a different instrument. This will benefit not only the band, but also the student because it will create more playing experiences and a better educational environment.
An Example of Perfect Instrumentation
This model is based on 70 Students. The number of students is relative. Therefore, the group can be of varying size.
Flutes – 12
Clarinet – 11
Bass Clarinet - 3
Alto Saxophone – 10
Tenor Saxophone – 3
Trumpet – 10
Trombone – 5
French Horn - 3
Baritone – 2
Tuba – 1
Percussion - 10